Henry VIII: Man and Monarch

More bloggers' reactions

We always enjoy reading what bloggers have to say after visiting our exhibitions. Here are three recent reviews...

• "Very cool :)" US student Rebecca Stone is getting plenty out of her summer studying in London

• "I was deeply moved... at the sight of documents which [changed] the world. If you are as well, this is the show for you" Fr John Zuhlsdorf brings the Catholic perspective on the schismatic King

• "Intense but really exciting... I would be quite happy to catch the train up again" Lilacsky clearly doesn't do things by halves either

If you've been to the exhibition, or any of our events, mention it on your blog!

Prey silence for the historical falconers

A slightly rainy Piazza today saw some fascinating talks on falconry as it would have been practised in Henry's court.

The husband-and-wife team of Raphael Falconry, Britain's only historical falconers, appeared in period costume - and accompanied by a couple of their birds.

It's not an activity for the faint of heart, as Mike Raphael told us while flashing his half-moon knife: the falconer has to routinely dispatch (that is, kill with gruesome efficiency) anything the bird has caught, lest it injure the bird in its struggle.

You can read a blogger's report on the event at Nikki's Adventures in Europe.

It's Henry the 8pm from 27 July

A reminder that you can stay later at the Library from 27 July. The Henry VIII exhibition will be open until 8pm every Monday to Thursday. The Reading Rooms and Shop are also open until 8pm on those days.

Philippa Gregory podcast: Bonus MP3

If you enjoyed the Philippa Gregory podcast we talked about yesterday, hear this bonus MP3 of audience questions and answers following the lecture (17min 20sec, 9.9MB):

(Or play it in your default media player.)

New podcast: Philippa Gregory on Henry's inner life

Philippa Gregory has a remarkable ability to bring to life the world and relationships of the Tudors. Her many works, including The Other Boleyn Girl, The Boleyn Inheritance, and the forthcoming The White Queen build vivid storytelling around detailed historical research.

As well as sharing her research on Henry and her thoughts on his psychology, Philippa discusses Henry’s relationships with – and, at times, fear of – women throughout his life.

The talk was recorded at the British Library on 8 July 2009, and is part of a series of events complementing the exhibition.

Or play in your default media player

New York Times review

"Thrilling show... this is the stuff of goosebumps": The New York Times critic was seduced by scholarship at our Henry VIII exhibition...

New podcast: Henry's Great Bible

The Great Bible, produced for Henry VIII in 1539-41, was the first authorised Bible in English.

The illustration on the frontispiece, showing Henry taking the Word from God and passing it down to the people, is impressive enough.

But as Richard Rex of Queens' College, Cambridge, tells Rob Ainsley, what's hidden behind its surface reveals much about Henry, his religion, and his politics. (MP3, 10min, 4MB)

Or play in your default media player

More about the Great Bible

David Starkey final podcast: Bonus MP3

If you enjoyed the David Starkey podcast we talked about yesterday, hear this bonus MP3 of audience questions and answers following the lecture (14min, 5.4MB):

(Or play it in your default media player.)

New David Starkey podcast

We've put up a new podcast. In 'The Achievement: 1533-1547', the third and final lecture of his enthralling series, David Starkey examines the paradox of Henry VIII's life.

For the divorce from Katherine of Aragon and break from Rome, which wrecked Henry's character, also laid the foundations for the great achievements of his reign.

The lecture was recorded at the British Library on Tuesday 30 June 2009.

Henry VIII or Joanna the Mad?

Further to yesterday's post, this really has very little to do with Henry VIII. I doubt that he ever walked to Lambeth Palace. Jonny Berliner is on the old Joanna.

See a snippet of video on You Tube.